Top 10 Most Runs Scored in the Final Session of a Test Match

The Final Session of a Test Match is where the drama peaks. Whether it’s a desperate chase for a win, a rearguard battle for survival, or an aggressive push to set up a declaration, the last two hours of a day’s play have often produced some of the most thrilling moments in cricket history. It is in the Final Session of a Test Match where captains make bold calls, batters shift gears, and bowlers dig deep into their reserves.

Traditionally known as the most challenging time to bat due to wearing pitches and tired minds, some teams and players have flipped the script, launching brutal assaults that defy Test cricket’s cautious norms. In this article, we explore the Top 10 Most Runs Scored in the Final Session of a Test Match, showcasing instances where the game transformed breathtakingly.

10. New Zealand – 189 Runs vs Pakistan (2018, Abu Dhabi)

New Zealand pulled off a heist by chasing 176 on a crumbling pitch, but what stood out was their 189-run burst in the Final Session of a Test Match. Henry Nicholls and BJ Watling played smart cricket, taking calculated risks.

Key Stats:

Match	Opponent	Ground	Final Session Runs	Date	Key Players	Result
NZ vs Pakistan	Pakistan	Abu Dhabi	189	Dec 2018	Watling (59*), Nicholls (55)	NZ won by 4 wickets

9. England – 191 Runs vs India (2021, Nottingham)

In a rain-affected game, England went after India’s bowlers in the Final Session of a Test Match, scoring 191 in quick time. Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root upped the ante to gain a psychological edge.

Key Stats:

Match	Opponent	Ground	Final Session Runs	Date	Key Players	Result
England vs India	India	Nottingham	191	Aug 2021	Root (109), Bairstow (57)	Match Drawn

8. Sri Lanka – 194 Runs vs South Africa (2006, Colombo)

Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara played masterclasses in an innings of 638. In the Final Session of a Test Match, Sri Lanka added 194 runs with aggressive batting to wear the South African bowlers out.

Key Stats:

Match	Opponent	Ground	Final Session Runs	Date	Key Players	Result
Sri Lanka vs South Africa	South Africa	Colombo	194	July 2006	Mahela (309), Sanga (287)	Sri Lanka won by innings & 153 runs

7. India – 196 Runs vs Australia (2021, Brisbane)

In what is now folklore, India chased down 328 at the Gabba. The Final Session of a Test Match produced 196 runs with Rishabh Pant going ballistic. His fearless approach not only won the match but also ended Australia’s 32-year unbeaten streak at the venue.

Key Stats:

Match	Opponent	Ground	Final Session Runs	Date	Key Players	Result
India vs Australia	Australia	Brisbane	196	Jan 2021	Pant (89*), Sundar (22)	India won by 3 wickets

6. West Indies – 200 Runs vs England (2004, Antigua)

Brian Lara’s 400* came in a Test where West Indies smashed 200 runs in the final session to set a mammoth total. Though the match ended in a draw, the Final Session of a Test Match became a run-fest, courtesy of Lara’s stroke-filled innings.

Key Stats:

Match	Opponent	Ground	Final Session Runs	Date	Key Players	Result
West Indies vs England	England	Antigua	200	April 2004	Lara (400*)	Match Drawn

5. South Africa – 202 Runs vs Australia (2008, Perth)

In the iconic Perth Test, South Africa stunned the world by chasing 414 the second-highest successful chase in Test history. The Final Session of a Test Match saw 202 runs as AB de Villiers and JP Duminy counterattacked, pushing Australia onto the backfoot.

Key Stats:

Match	Opponent	Ground	Final Session Runs	Date	Key Players	Result
South Africa vs Australia	Australia	Perth	202	Dec 2008	AB (106*), Duminy (50*)	South Africa won by 6 wickets

4. India – 204 Runs vs England (2008, Chennai)

After the 26/11 attacks, cricket returned to India with emotion and pressure. In one of the greatest chases ever, India scored 204 in the final session on Day 5 to chase 387. Sachin Tendulkar’s unbeaten century and Yuvraj Singh’s fearless hitting in the Final Session of a Test Match remain etched in memory.

Key Stats:

Match	Opponent	Ground	Final Session Runs	Date	Key Players	Result
India vs England	England	Chennai	204	Dec 2008	Tendulkar (103*), Yuvraj (85*)	India won by 6 wickets

3. Pakistan – 210 Runs vs Sri Lanka (2014, Sharjah)

In a dead-rubber match, Pakistan turned a lifeless draw into one of the most audacious wins. Needing 302 in 59 overs, Pakistan scored 210 runs in the Final Session of a Test Match with Sarfaraz Ahmed and Azhar Ali leading the charge. Their fearless approach caught Sri Lanka off-guard.

Key Stats:

Match	Opponent	Ground	Final Session Runs	Date	Key Players	Result
Pakistan vs SL	Sri Lanka	Sharjah	210	Jan 2014	Azhar (103), Sarfaraz (48)	Pakistan won by 5 wickets

2. Australia – 213 Runs vs India (2008, Sydney)

In one of the most controversial and dramatic matches, Australia went on the attack in the Final Session of a Test Match to set up a declaration. Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey unleashed a furious assault, racking up 213 runs to give their bowlers just enough time to dismiss India on the last day — which they controversially did.

Key Stats:

Match	Opponent	Ground	Final Session Runs	Date	Key Players	Result
Australia vs India	India	Sydney	213	Jan 2008	Ponting (124), Hussey (145*)	Australia won by 122 runs

1. England – 223 Runs vs New Zealand (2022, Trent Bridge)

When England went out to chase 299 in 72 overs, not many expected what followed. Under the Bazball era, England embraced an aggressive philosophy and went full throttle in the Final Session of a Test Match. With Bairstow and Stokes at the crease, boundaries flowed with stunning regularity. The duo scored a jaw-dropping 223 runs in the final session, achieving the target with ease and redefining how chases are approached in the modern era.

Key Stats:

Match	Opponent	Ground	Final Session Runs	Date	Key Players	Result
England vs NZ	New Zealand	Trent Bridge	223	June 2022	Bairstow (136), Stokes (75*)	England won by 5 wickets

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